Wipes Dispenser With Improved Dispenser Opening

ABSTRACT

A product, such as a wipes dispenser, having an oblong housing. The product may have sidewalls that taper inward from the top to the bottom. The product may contain a u-shaped stack of wipes. The product may have a lid with one or more openings through which a user accesses the wipes.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application No. 12/125,274, filed May 22, 2008.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Art

The exemplary embodiments relate generally to wipes dispensers. More particularly, the embodiments relate to a generally oblong container with a dispensing aperture through which wipes may be easily grasped and dispensed.

2. Description of Related Art

Many types of containers are known in the art for packaging dry, wet, or moistened wipes. Besides wipes, other sheet-like substrates, such as towels, tissues, sponges, pads, napkins, diapers, are also packaged in similar containers. For example, wipes are often packaged in a standard dispenser containers that are either rectangular or cylindrical in shape. These standard dispensers are sometimes fitted with a removable or hinged lid that includes a small dispensing aperture for accessing wipes. Such containers and lids, however, present problems efficiently storing wipes to reduce container size while still maximizing the number of stored wipes, and maintaining adequate moisture content. Further problems include locating, grasping, removing, and rethreading wipes from traditional dispensers.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, there is a need to provide a more ergonomic and efficiently designed container to reduce cost and facilitate dispensing, as well as provide a more usable dispensing opening.

In accordance with one embodiment, a product having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, has an oblong dispenser having a length along the longitudinal axis that is greater than a width along the transverse axis. The oblong dispenser includes an oblong top, an oblong bottom that is smaller than the top, and a sidewall tapering inward from the top to the bottom of the dispenser. The product also has a u-shaped folded stack of wipes, that is formed from a flat stack of a plurality of sheet-like wipes folded about a transverse fold axis, and disposed in the dispenser so that the transverse fold axis is parallel to the product's longitudinal axis.

In accordance with another embodiment, a dispenser having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis has a base, and a lid removably attached to the base. The base has a length measured along the longitudinal axis that is greater than a width measured along the transverse axis. The dispenser has a dispensing opening in the lid that has a center opening and at least one slot aligned with the transverse axis and in communication with the center opening.

In accordance with another embodiment, a product having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis has an oblong dispenser having a length along the longitudinal axis that is greater than a width along the transverse axis. The dispenser has an oblong top, an oblong bottom, a sidewall extending between the top and bottom, and at least one internal rib on the sidewall, disposed on the interior of the dispenser. The product also has a u-shaped folded stack of wipes, that is formed from a flat stack of a plurality of sheet-like wipes folded about a transverse fold axis, and disposed in the dispenser so that the transverse fold axis is parallel to the product's longitudinal axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the exemplary embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like elements:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a closed dispenser for dispensing wipes, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an open lid for a dispenser, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an open dispenser for dispensing wipes, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a base for a dispenser, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a transparent, front perspective view of an open dispenser containing wipes, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a graph comparing the relationship between the vertical force load placed on the free end of a dispenser petal relative to the vertical deflection of the petal for a soft petal and for a stiff petal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description provides exemplary embodiments of a dispenser for dispensing wipes. It should be appreciated, however, that the dispenser, and the configuration of the dispenser described herein is not limited to the embodiments and details disclosed, as those embodiments are exemplary only. It is further understood that one possessing ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the use of the exemplary embodiments for its intended purposes and benefits in any number of alternative embodiments, depending on specific design and other needs.

It will be understood that the dispenser as described below, as well is any components thereof, may be formed from a variety of materials, such as, for example, polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), and other engineered plastics, and may be formed with a variety of fabrication technologies, such as, for example, injection molding. It will also be understood that the dispenser as shown in the embodiments is not limited to any particular size or shape.

Throughout the description, “wipes” means any substrate that is useful for household chores, cleaning, personal care, health care, food wrapping, cosmetic application or removal, or the like. Non-limiting examples of suitable substrates for use with the dispenser include nonwoven and woven substrates; hydro-entangled substrates; air-entangled substrates; cellulosic paper substrates; coform substrates comprising cellulose fibers and polymer fibers; wet substrates such as wet wipes, moist or premoistened cleaning wipes, moist toilet paper wipes, and baby wipes; film or plastic substrates; or shop towels.

The embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which some, but not all, embodiments are illustrated.

With reference to FIGS. 1-5, a dispenser 100, according to an exemplary embodiment, will be discussed in more detail. The dispenser 100 of this embodiment may comprise a lid 110 removably attached to a base 120. Together, the lid 110 and the base 120 may define a housing to store wipes. In various exemplary embodiments, the dispenser 100 may be any suitable size or shape, including, but not limited to polygonal, elliptical, cubic, rectangular, cylindrical, conical, frustoconical, ovoid, or the like. In various exemplary embodiments, the dispenser 100 housing may include a combination of shapes, such as one formed by a rectangular base 120, and an elliptical lid 110.

In an exemplary embodiment, the dispenser 100 may be oblong in shape. As used herein, the term oblong is used to describe a shape or form that is elongated in one direction, such as a rectangle having a length that is longer than a width, or an oval having a major axis that is longer than a minor axis. In an exemplary embodiment, the dispenser 100 has an oblong lid 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the dispenser 100 has oblong base 120. In another exemplary embodiment, the dispenser 100 has both an oblong lid 110 and an oblong base 120.

As best illustrated in FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment, dispenser 100 may have a housing generally in the shape of an oblong rectangular prism having rounded edges and curved sidewalls, as it is best shown FIG. 1. Alternatively, this exemplary dispenser 100 may be described as a flattened, frustoconical body. The dispenser 100 may have a front 102, a back 104, a first side 106, a second side 108, a top 112, and a bottom 122. The various dimensions of the exemplary dispenser 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 will be described in reference to a longitudinal axis L_(d), a transverse axis T_(d), and a z-axis Z_(d).

The dispenser 100 may have an top 112, bottom 122, and sidewall 124. The sidewall 124 may be continuous and have an upper edge 126 joining the top 112 about its perimeter, and a lower edge 128 joining the bottom 112 about its perimeter, thereby creating a cavity to store wipes. The sidewall 124 may be formed unitary with the bottom 122, or may be formed separately therefrom, and joined together such as with mechanical, thermal, or chemical means, including, without limitation, adhesive bonding. Likewise, sidewall 124 may be formed unitary with the top 112, or may be formed separately therefrom, and joined together such as with mechanical, thermal or chemical means, including, without limitation, adhesive bonding.

In an exemplary embodiment, the top 112 and bottom 122 may be generally oval in shape. In various exemplary embodiments, the top 112 may have the same shape as the bottom 122. In other exemplary embodiments, the top 112 and bottom 122 may have different shapes. For example, in various exemplary embodiments, the top 112 may have a generally oval shape, and the bottom 122 may have a rectangular or rounded rectangular shape. In various exemplary embodiments, the top 112 is the same size as the bottom 122. In other exemplary embodiments, the top 112 is a different size (either larger or smaller) than the bottom 122.

In embodiments in which the dispenser 100 has an oval or oblong shape, the dispenser 100 may have a major axis 150 generally aligned with the longitudinal axis L_(d), and a minor axis 152, generally aligned with the transverse axis T_(d). The major axis 150 may generally correspond to the longest horizontal dimension of the dispenser 100. In exemplary embodiments in which the top 112 has a different size than the bottom 122, the top 112 and the bottom 122 may have parallel major axes 150 and parallel minor axes 152. It will be appreciated that the major axes 150 and minor axes 152 of the top 112 and bottom 122, respectively, may not be parallel.

In an exemplary embodiment, the top 112 is larger than the bottom 122, such that the sidewall 124 may taper from the top 112 to the bottom 122. In other words, the dispenser 100 may narrow from the top 112 to the bottom 122, thereby creating a generally frustoconical-shaped dispenser 100. Such a generally frustoconical-shaped dispenser 100 may provide ergonomic advantages over the typical parallelepiped and cylindrical dispensers, which are readily known in the art. In addition, this configuration enables the containers to be stacked in a nested configuration, so that containers fit within each other for ease of shipping and handling. In exemplary embodiments, in which the top 112 is larger than the bottom 122, the dispenser 100 may have a length L_(t) across the major axis 150 of the top 112, and a length L_(b) measured across the major axis 150 of the bottom 122, where length L_(t) is greater than L_(b). Likewise, the dispenser 100 may have a width W_(t), across the minor axis 152 of the top 112, and a width W_(b) across the minor axis 152 of the bottom 122, where width W_(t) is larger than W_(b). As mentioned above, the top 112 and bottom 122 may generally comprise the same shape, however, the shape of the top 112 and bottom 122 may be changed as necessary or desired.

In an exemplary embodiment, the top 112 may have a length L_(t) measured along the major axis 150 of about 3.5 to about 8.5 inches, more preferably about 6.25 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the top 112 may have a width W_(t) measured across the minor axis 152 of about 1.5 to about 6.0 inches, more preferably about 3.5 inches.

In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom 122 may have a length L_(b) measured along the major axis 150 of about 3.0 to about 8.0 inches, more preferably about 5.5 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom 122 may have a width W_(b) measured across the minor axis 152 of about 1.0 to about 5.5 inches, more preferably about 3 inches.

In an exemplary embodiment, the dispenser 100 may have a height H, measured from the top 112 to the bottom 122 in the z-axis direction Z_(d), of approximately 3.0 to about 8.0 inches, more preferably about 5½ inches.

As described above, in embodiments in which the top 112 is larger than the bottom 122, the sidewall 124 of dispenser 100 may taper inward from the top 112 to the bottom 122. In various embodiments, the taper angle α_(T) as measured along the front 102 and back 104 of the dispenser 100, may be about 0° to about 8°, more preferably about 3° as measured from the vertical (the z-axis). The sidewall 124 may have the same taper angle α_(T) about the entire perimeter of the dispenser 100, or it may vary, depending on the size and shape of the top 112 and bottom 122. In an exemplary embodiment, the taper angle α_(T) as measured along the first and second sides 106, 108 of the sidewall 124 is from about 0° to about 8°, and more preferably about 5° as measured from the vertical (the z-axis Z_(d)). It will be understood that as the top 112 and bottom 122 dimensions and shape are varied, the taper angle α_(T) will vary accordingly.

Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that using different tapering angles along the two axes (L_(d), T_(d)), respectively, provides certain benefits. For example, a larger tapering angle on the first and second sides 106, 108, may provide a more significant curvature aesthetic purpose to the user as it sits on the retail shelf or user countertop. However, using a larger taper angle over the entire surface of the sidewall 124, may cause a significant increase in the overall size of the dispenser 100, impacting manufacturing efficiencies (e.g., pallet patterns), and store shelf space. Using a smaller taper angle on the front 102 and back 104 of the dispenser 100 provides a container with a smaller size, which improves the manufacturing efficiencies, allows more products to fit front-to-back on a store shelf, and that is less obtrusive on a user's countertop. It is also believed that using a smaller taper angle on the front 102 and back 104 of the dispenser 100 may improve the ability of the dispenser 100 to contain and stabilize a U-folded stack of wipes, reducing its tendency to flop around inside the dispenser, improving the user perception of the dispenser 100.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a U-folded stack (U-shaped clip) of wipes 510 is shown stored within the inside of the dispenser 100. The U-shaped clip 510 may be formed from a flat stack of a plurality of individual wipes. The flat stack of wipes, which is typically rectangular, may be preassembled and folded about a transverse fold axis 512 to create the U-shaped clip 510.

In exemplary embodiments, the U-shaped clip 510 is inverted, so that the arch-shaped portion of the folded clip 510 is disposed facing the top 112 of the dispenser 100. In various exemplary embodiments, a head space is provided between the outermost layer of the U-shaped clip and the top 112 of the dispenser 100. Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that the headspace may be related to the user's satisfaction in dispensing the first several wipes. For example, too little headspace may not allow the first few wipes to disengage from the clip 510, which may result in an increase in pull force required to remove these wipes, and an increased probability of wipes falling back into the container. Conversely, too much headspace may cause the user to have difficulty reaching the first wipe through the lid 110 of the dispenser 100. In exemplary embodiments the headspace distance between the U-shaped clip 510 and the top 112 of the dispenser is about 0.125 to about 1.25 inches, preferably about 0.375 to about 0.5 inches.

The flat stack of wipes may have any suitable length, as measured along a longitudinal axis, and any suitable width, as measured along a transverse axis, to allow for the U-shaped clip 510 to fit within the dispenser 100. In an exemplary embodiment, a fully assembled flat stack of wipes (i.e., before the stack is folded about a transverse fold axis 512 to form the U-shaped clip 510) may have a length of about 3 inches to about 16 inches, preferably about 8 inches. In exemplary embodiments, the length of the flat stack of wipes is the same as the length of an individual wipe. In an exemplary embodiment the flat stack of wipes may have a width of about 3 inches to about 7 inches, preferably about 4.5 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the width of the flat stack of wipes is less than the width of an individual wipe, i.e., the individual wipes within the stack may be folded one or more times. In an exemplary embodiment, the flat stack of wipes may have a height of about 0.5 inches to about 4.0 inches, preferably about 1.5 inches. The height of the flat stack may be dependent upon the number of wipes in a stack, the thickness of the individual wipe, and the folded configuration of the individual wipes.

The flat stack of wipes may be folded up to 180 degrees about the transverse fold axis 512 to form the U-shaped clip 510. The U-shaped clip 510 may have an arched top, and a bottom that comprises two opposing legs 516 located on opposite sides of the transverse fold axis 512 and extending therefrom. The U-shaped clip 510, once folded, may be inserted into the dispenser 100, so that the arched top is directed toward the top 112 of the dispenser 100, and at least a portion of the legs 516 rest against the bottom 122 of the dispenser 100. The dimensions of the U-shaped clip 510 may vary depending on the dimensions of the flat stack wipes, and the degree with which the flat stack of wipes is folded about the transverse fold axis 512, with the maximum fold angle being approximately 180 degrees. For example, the U-shaped clip 510 may have a folded height of about 2.5 inches to about 10.0 inches, preferably about 4.5 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the U-shaped clip 510 may have a folded width of about 3.0 inches to about 7.0 inches, preferably about 4.5 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the U-shaped clip may have a folded length of about 0.5 inches to about 5.0 inches, preferably about 3.0 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the legs of the U-shaped clip may have a length of about 2.0 inches to about 10.0 inches, preferably about 4.5 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, when the flat stack is folded about the transverse fold axis 512, the U-shaped clip 510 may have a folded width that is greater than the folded length. In an exemplary embodiment, when the flat stack is folded about the transverse fold axis 512, the U-shaped clip 510 may have a folded width that is approximately equal to or less than the folded length.

Each of the wipes in the flat stack of wipes may have a size and shape suitable for their intended use. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand how to design the size and shape of the wipe. In various exemplary embodiments, the dimensions of the wipes may be larger than the desired dimensions of the flat stack of wipes. Therefore, in exemplary embodiments, the individual wipes may have one or more folds to provide a folded stack having the desired dimensions. In an exemplary embodiment, a flat stack of wipes may contain individual wipes that are folded one or more times along their longitudinal direction, and interleaved, as is well known in the art. In an exemplary embodiment, the flat stack of wipes may be “VZ-folded,” meaning that the interleaved wipes are folded in a longitudinal direction, with adjacent wipes alternating between a Z-fold and a V-fold. A V-folded wipe is a wipe that is folded once, resulting in two panels separated by a longitudinal fold line. A Z-folded wipe is a wipe that is folded twice, resulting in three panels separated by two longitudinal fold lines. The folded panels of adjacent V-folded and Z-folded wipes are interleaved, so that the edges of the folded wipes overlap. Such a configuration enables a pop-up dispensing where withdrawing one sheet from the dispenser pulls at least a portion of the next sheet out of the dispenser for easier access to the next sheet.

In various exemplary embodiments, the outermost wipe 518 of a U-shaped clip 510 may have a “starter fold” 520, or a fold that enables a user to easily grasp the outermost wipe 518. In an exemplary embodiment, the starter fold is disposed directly beneath an orifice in the lid 110, so that a user may more easily access the starter fold, and therefore the outermost wipe 518. In an exemplary embodiment, the outermost wipe 518 V-folded, and the unfolded edge is folded on itself, along a longitudinal starter fold line, to create the starter fold 520. In embodiments in which the lid 110 has an opening at or near the center of the lid 110, the longitudinal starter fold line may be disposed in the center of the U-shaped clip 510, so that it may be disposed beneath the opening. In embodiments in which the lid 110 has an opening other than in the center of the lid 110, the longitudinal starter fold line may be disposed to the left or the right of the center of the U-shaped clip 510, so that it may be disposed beneath the opening.

Depending on manufacturing capability, it may be common for a manufacturing line to produce flat stacks of interleaved wipes having less than the desired number of wipes for a given wipes dispenser. For example, a manufacturing line may only be capable of producing flat stacks having approximately 20 sheets per stack, while it may be desirable to produce a wipes dispenser product containing 60, 80, or 100 wipes. Therefore, according to exemplary embodiments, a plurality of flat stacks may be combined to produce the U-shaped clip 510. The flat stacks may be combined by any of a number of suitable methods. In an exemplary embodiment, two or more flat stacks may be adhesively combined, such as by applying an adhesive between the adjacent wipes layers in two adjacent stacks.

In an exemplary embodiment, to effectively join multiple stacks with an adhesive, the adhesive may be placed towards the end of the last wipe in a preceding stack, or towards the end of the first wipe in a subsequent stack. In exemplary embodiments, the adhesive is disposed on a wipe so that it is contained within ¼ of the length of the wipe nearest the end (either end). Placing adhesive towards the end of a wipe (as opposed to the center of the wipe) may be beneficial because the U-shaped clip 510 may have stress points on the ends of the wipe as the wipes contact the inner surface of the sidewalls 124 of the dispenser 100. In addition, by placing the adhesive at one end of the wipe, the trailing wipe may be effectively peeled from the remaining wipes in the stack and dispensed as desired. Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that disposing the adhesive towards the edge of the wipe results in a peeling action (e.g., between wipes) that is very similar to that of wipes that are interleaved, which may make the use of adhesive unnoticeable to a user. Conversely, placement of the adhesive closer to the center of the wipes may negatively impact the peeling action—the adhesive will cause the wipe to be pulled from the center, so that the center of the wipe is first pulled through the dispensing orifice in the lid 110. This causes a “tent” or bunching of the wipe in the dispensing orifice, which may be perceived negatively by a user because it may cause multiple wipes to be dispensed, and may cause more tenting for the next several wipes, or may cause the user to try to push the wipes back into the dispenser 100.

In exemplary embodiments, the amount of adhesive may vary as necessary or desired, to produce a stack of wipes with a predetermined peel force. In exemplary embodiments, the amount and type of adhesive are selected so that the adhesive may be unnoticeable to a user. One having ordinary skill in the art, informed with the teachings herein, will understand how to select an adhesive, and specify a proper amount of adhesive in accordance with the embodiments.

In an exemplary embodiment, the U-shaped clip 510 may be inserted into the dispenser 100 such that the transverse fold axis 512 is substantially parallel to major axis 150 of the dispenser 100. Such an orientation may result in improved dispensing.

In exemplary embodiments, the U-shaped clip 510 may fill out substantially the entire longitudinal and transverse dimensions of the dispenser 100, without substantially impinging the inner surface of the sidewall 124 of the base 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the edges of the U-shaped clip 510 may just rest against the inner surface of the dispenser 100, but not be substantially compressed. In another exemplary embodiment, the U-shaped clip 510 may be placed into the dispenser 100 so that the sides of the U-shaped clip 510 are slightly compressed against the sidewall 124.

As best seen in FIG. 5, the edges of the uppermost wipes may end significantly above the U-shaped clip's 510 bottom edge, such that only a small portion of the length of the upper wipes in the U-shaped folded stack touch the dispenser's 100 sidewall 124. This can significantly reduce the force needed to dispense the first wipe, which may help to reduce or eliminate tearing the wipes.

The U-shaped clip 510 may be dimensioned so that the individual wipes are not substantially compressed inside the dispenser 100, and the legs are not pinched by the sidewall 124. As shown in FIG. 5, the wipes in the uppermost layers of the U-shaped clip 510 forming the arched top do not extend to the bottom 122 of the dispenser 100, since the radius of curvature caused by the transverse fold is greater in the outer wipes. As a result, the length of the folded U-shaped clip 510 decreases toward the bottom of the dispenser 100.

The dispenser 100 may have one or more internal ribs 514. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, dispenser 100 may have several internal ribs 514 joined with the sidewall 124 and oriented along the z-axis Z_(d), extending from the bottom 122. The internal ribs 514 may serve to hold the U-shaped clip 510 in proper position within the dispenser 100, and may facilitate dispensing by reducing the contact of the wipes with the sidewall 124 of the dispenser 100. Further, the internal ribs 514 may improve the stacking configuration of several bases 120, which are nested inside one another during shipping and handling. The internal ribs 514 may be integral with the sidewall 124, or otherwise coupled with the sidewall 124, such as by mechanical, thermal or chemical means.

The internal ribs 514 may be spaced apart about the sidewall 124. In an exemplary embodiment, the internal ribs 514 may be spaced equidistantly along the inner perimeter of the base 120 and project inward (toward the center of the dispenser). Since wipes may be relatively free of contact with the sidewall 124, in part because of the internal ribs 514, the sidewall forces may be reduce, thereby requiring less pull force to remove wipes from the dispenser 100. In exemplary embodiments, the internal ribs have a width of about 0.0625 to about 0.5 inches, preferably about 0.1875 inches. In exemplary embodiments, the internal ribs have a length of about 0.5 to about 4 inches, preferably about 1.5 inches. In one embodiment, the internal ribs 514 may have different widths such that the upper end of the internal ribs 514 may be greater than the lower end.

In addition, the internal ribs 514 may help support the U-shaped clip 510 and prevent it from settling to the bottom of the dispenser 100 during shipping. By preventing the U-shaped clip 510 from settling, the internal ribs 514 may help maintain a consistent headspace (as described above) between the outermost layer 518 of the U-shaped clip 510 and the top 112 of the dispenser 100.

In exemplary embodiments, the internal ribs 514 may have one or more projections or teeth (not shown) extending therefrom. As the wipe count gets low in the dispenser 100, the weight of the remaining wipes may not be sufficient to offset the pull force exerted by a consumer to remove wipes from the dispenser 100, which may cause multiple wipes to dispensed at once as they do not separate. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more teeth (not shown) attached to the internal rib 514, preferably at the upper end, may offset the pull force and prevent multiple wipes from being dispensed at once. In an exemplary embodiment, the teeth may protrude generally downward from the internal ribs 514 to allow the U-shaped clip 510 to be easily inserted into the dispenser 100, but still hold the wipes in the dispenser 100 during dispensing.

As described above, in exemplary embodiments the top 112 is larger than the bottom 122. It has been found that this configuration may provide an improved stacking configuration for dispensers 100. In addition, one or more additional elements may be added to the top 112 or bottom 122 to improve the stacking configuration of dispensers 100. For example, referring to FIG. 1, the top 112 of the dispenser 100 may have a ridge 114 formed along its outer perimeter. Overall, the top 112 may be generally flat with respect to a horizontal plane but the ridge 114 may slope upwards at the edge of the perimeter. Conversely, the bottom 122 may be slightly convex such that a ridge (not shown) may be formed along the outer perimeter of the bottom 122. Having the ridge 114 formed along the perimeter of the top 112 and a ridge (not shown) formed along the perimeter of the bottom 122 may allow for multiple dispensers 100 to be sturdily stacked on one another. It will be understood that the size, shape, and depth of either ridge may be changed as necessary or desired. In one embodiment, the dispenser 100 may comprise completely flat top and bottom surfaces.

In an exemplary embodiment, the dispenser includes a lid 110. With reference to FIG. 2, the lid 110, according to an exemplary embodiment, will be described in more detail. Generally, the lid 110 may have a cover 210 operably coupled with a body 220. As shown, the cover 210 may be joined with the body 220 at some point adjacent to the outer perimeter of the body 220. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover 210 may be pivotally joined with the body 220 in such a way that the cover 210 may pivot between an open and closed position. In various exemplary embodiments, the cover 210 may be permanently joined with the body 220, such as with a living hinge 212 integrally formed with the cover 210 and the body 220. Any suitable hinge or hinges may be used to connect the cover 210 to the body 220. In various exemplary embodiments embodiment, the cover 210 may be removably attached to the body 220, such as with a hinge that is snap-fitted into the body 220. In various exemplary embodiments, the hinge 212 may be shaped such that when cover 210 is closed, the hinge 212 forms a generally continuous surface with the rest of the lid 110.

The body 220 may comprise one or more functional elements. For example, body 220 may comprise the ridge 114 (as described above), an recessed surface 214, an opening 200. The recessed surface 214 may be formed in the body 220 to create a recessed portion that may lie beneath the cover 210. The recessed surface 214 may be configured to allow for the cover 210 to be securely closed. The cover 210 may be sized and shaped to fit on or over the recessed surface 214 defined in the body 220. Opposite the hinge 212, the cover 210 may have a tab 218 that allows for the cover 210 to be opened.

In exemplary embodiments, the cover 210 may frictionally engage the body 220 at the recessed surface 214. For example, the body 220 may have one or more annular ridges 222 about the perimeter of the recessed surface 214. The one or more annular ridges 222 may form one or more grooves 224 therebetween configured to receive a corresponding portion of the cover 210. The cover 210 may have a downwardly projecting tab 226 configured to mate with the one or more annular ridges 222 and the one or more corresponding grooves 224, so that, for example, the cover 210 may be snapped into place for securing the cover 210 to the body 220. In various exemplary embodiments, the mating interface created between cover 210 and the body 220 seals the dispenser 100 to prevent moisture loss from wet or partially wetted wipes stored within the dispenser 100. It will be understood that other manners for securing the cover 210 to the body 220 may be used.

The cover 210 may be any suitable size and shape. In various exemplary embodiments, the cover 120 has a size and shape that generally corresponds with the size and shape to that of the recessed surface 214. However, it will be appreciated that the cover 210 may have one of many sizes and shapes, without departing from the purpose and function thereof.

Still referring to FIG. 2, lid 110 may have an opening 200. The opening 200 may have any of a number of sizes or shapes. For example, the opening 200 may be square, circular, or oval, having one portion or multiple separate or interconnected portions (e.g., lobes). The opening 200 may generally be larger in size for a reach-in dispenser and smaller in size for a pop-up dispenser. In an exemplary embodiment, the opening 200 may comprise a generally oval shaped center opening 202 and one or more generally semi-circular shaped side openings 204. The side openings 204 may be symmetric and oppositely disposed about the center opening 202. The one or more side openings 204 may be in communication with center opening 202 via one or more slits 208. In an exemplary embodiment, the opening 200 may have a center opening 202, two side openings 204, one located to the left and one located to the right of the center opening 202. In this embodiment, one slit 208 may connect each side opening 204 to the center opening 202. The one or more slits 208 may form a narrow channel between the openings.

The center opening 202 may be configured to be a wide, oval opening through the lid 110 such that a first wipe (not shown) may be easily grasped, as subsequently shown and described herein. The center opening 202 may further comprise one or more slots 206 in communication therewith. The one or more slots 206 may extend vertically from the center opening 202 and generally align with the minor axis 152 of the dispenser (not shown in FIG. 2). The distal end of the one or more slots 206 may be rounded and larger than the proximal end, where the proximal end is the point at which the one or more slots 206 join the center opening 202.

In an exemplary embodiment, the opening 202 may have a width of about 0.5 to about 2 inches, preferably about 1 inch, measured from the top edge to the bottom edge, and may have a length of about 0.75 to about 2.5 inches, preferably about 1.5 inches, measured from the left side edge to the right side edge. Center opening 202 may be configured such that, when grasping a wipe for the first time, center opening 202 may be wide enough to comfortably and easily accommodate an average sized human index finger and thumb, as will be further described and shown below. A variety of dispensing aperture dimensions may be possible, so long as the opening 200 allows for a user to access wipes in the dispenser 100.

The opening 200 and its various portions—center opening 202, side openings 204, slots 206, and slits 208—may together define one or more petals 240. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, four petals 240 are defined. Each petal 240 may have a nub 242 formed at each side of the proximal end of the slot 206, i.e. where the slot 206 joins the center opening 202. The nubs 242 may project inwardly from the center opening 202 and may be generally semi-circular. The radius of nubs 242, as they extend inwardly from perimeter of center opening 202, may be a few millimeters. It is believed that the nubs 242 may hold the tail of wipe such that wipes do not fall back through the opening 200. The nubs 242 may therefore allow a consumer to access the next wipe in the dispenser 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the nubs 242 may be configured so that they do not interfere with a consumer's finger during initial wipe extraction. In exemplary embodiments, the internal nubs 242 have a width of about 0.0625 inches to about 0.1875 inches, preferably about 0.125 inches.

The petals 240 may be made of rigid plastic of sufficient thickness to prevent them from easily bending upwardly (along the z-axis) as wipes are being dispensed from the dispenser 100. By constructing the petals 240 of rigid plastic, the upward force from the wipes during dispensing reduces the chance of roping and clumping, both common problems in the art, especially when the wipe count gets low. Alternatively, the petals 240 may be formed from a less rigid plastic of increased thickness. In yet another embodiment, the one or more petals 240 may be formed with less rigid material of the same or lesser thickness as the rigid plastic petals further including one or more integral reinforcing petal ribs 244 on the bottom surface of petal 240 to provide petal rigidity reinforcement sufficient to reduce the chance of extraction roping and clumping when the wipe count is low.

In these embodiments, research has shown that stiffening of the closure petals 240 to form a stiff petal type dispenser by either adding petal ribs 244 or petal thickness, provides better dispensing, i.e., petal stiffening reduced clumping of wipes when extracting from about the last 8 or more wipes to the last 1-3 wipes in the dispenser when compared to a soft petal type dispenser. A soft petal type dispenser has a soft petal that results in significant wipes roping or clumping during extraction of a wipe when the wipe count is from about the last 8 or more wipes to the last 1-3 wipes. A stiff petal type dispenser has a petal that reduces the incidence of clumping and roping by at least 75% when compared to a soft petal type dispenser.

TABLE 1 summarizes research conducted to determine the ratio between a vertical force load placed on the free end 246 of the petal 240 adjacent slit 208 and the vertical deflection of a free end 246 of petal 240 caused by the vertical load. The results for both a stiff petal and a soft petal are presented. Those of skill in the art sometimes refer to this ratio as the load/deflection ratio similar to the stress/strain ratio depicted in a stress-strain curve.

The data in TABLE 1, as graphically depicted in FIG. 6, was determined using an Instron® Series 5500 tester. The test results in obtaining the vertical loads required to obtain a given vertical deflection of the free end 246 of the petal 240. For a soft petal, the loads that produce container standard deflections of 0.0625 ( 1/16ths), 0.125 (⅛th), 0.1875 ( 3/16ths). 0.25 (¼th), 0.375 (⅜ths), and 0.50 (½) of an inch were determined. For a stiff petal, the loads that produce container standard deflections of 0.0625 ( 1/16ths), 0.125 (⅛th), 0.25 (¼th), 0.375 (⅜ths), and 0.50 (½) of an inch were determined. A reversible load cell, properly secured to the instrument cross head and controlled by a personal computer was used to apply increasing force on the free end 246 until the various standard deflections were achieved. The load at each deflection was recorded for each type of petal.

TABLE 1 LOAD TO DEFLECTION RATIO Comparison of the vertical load required to vertically deflect a free end of a stiff dispenser petal and a free end of a soft dispenser petal over a given distance.

In one embodiment, within the range of the peak wipe extraction force required to extract a wipe from the dispenser 100 of about 0.5 to about 2.0 pounds, if the load/deflection ratio for a stiff petal is in the range of about 5.3 to about 8.0 pounds/inch, clumping of the wipes at low wipe counts is reduced. If the load/deflection ratio for a soft petal is in the range of about 2.3 to about 3.2 pounds/inch, clumping of the wipes at low wipe counts is significant.

FIG. 6 is a load/deflection curve that depicts the data of TABLE 1 graphing the vertical load placed on the free end 246 of the petal 240 to the vertical deflection of the free end of the petal for a both a stiff dispenser petal and, alternatively, a soft petal. In accordance with Hooke's Law, well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, the slopes of the stiff and soft curves are substantially constant within the extraction force range required to extract a wipe from the dispenser. This indicates that both petals are within the their respective elastic ranges over the extraction force range.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the base 120 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The base 120 comprises the bottom 122, as described above, and the sidewall 124. The sidewall 124 may extend upwardly from the bottom 122, terminating in a wide-mouthed oval opening. The base 120 may form the substantial potion of the dispenser 100 for storing wipes. The base 120 may have an open top 410 for mating the lid 110 thereto. The base 120 may comprise a lip 412. The lip 412 may provide for the lid 110 to be friction-fitted or snap-fitted onto the base 120. Correspondingly, the lid 110 may have a groove (not shown) on its underside for mating the lid 110 to the base 120.

Still referring to FIG. 5, the first wipe 512 of the U-shaped clip 510 may be grasped by a user through center opening 202. Because the U-shaped clip 510 may be oriented such that the transverse fold axis 512 may be substantially parallel to the major axis 150 of the dispenser 100, the starter fold 520 (or the top fold on the top wipe) may be parallel with the minor axis (not shown) of the dispenser 100. The starter fold 520 may be aligned with the one or more slots 206. A user may grasp the first wipe through the center opening 202 with the thumb and index finger at 3:00 and 9:00 positions, as best shown in FIG. 5. This prevents a consumer from having to grasp the first wipe through the narrowest portion of the center opening 202. Moreover, such a construction may eliminate the need to use soft materials (such as TPE) around the center opening 202.

During extraction, the first wipe may easily thread through center opening 202 with portions of the first wipe threading through the one or more slots 206 that are in communication with the center opening 202. As the first wipe is extracted, the top edge portion of the first wipe is dragged through the top slot 206, and the bottom edge portion of the first wipe is dragged through the bottom slot 206. While being extracted, the wipes may contact the one or more nubs 242, which may help separate the leading wipe from a trailing wipe, thereby preventing clumping or roping.

The opening 216 may be further configured such that if wipes fall back through the opening, a consumer can easily access the wipes through the one or more side openings 204. The one or more side openings 204 may be larger than the center opening 202 to allow a consumer to reach farther into the dispenser 100 in case rethreading is needing. A consumer can easily rethread a wipe by pulling it through one of the side openings 204, and threading it through the corresponding slit 208 back to the center opening 202. The center opening 202 presents numerous contact points along the petals 240 to readily engage wipes as a consumer pulls the wipe through the center opening 202, especially if pulled at an angle. Wipes may then be easily separated from one another.

Other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. It is understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged in whole or part. The preceding description, given by way of example in order to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the claimed invention, is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims and all equivalents thereto. 

1. A dispenser having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, comprising: a base having a length measured along the longitudinal axis that is greater than a width measured along the transverse axis; a lid removably attached to the base; a dispensing opening in the lid having a center opening and at least one slot aligned with the transverse axis and in communication with the center opening; wherein the dispensing opening further comprises at least one side opening in communication with said center opening via a longitudinal slit, a plurality of rigid petals in the lid, defined in part by said dispensing opening; and wherein a ratio between a vertical load applied to a free end of said petal to a vertical deflection of said free end of said petal caused by said vertical load is between about 2.3 to about 3.2 pounds/inch.
 2. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a U-shaped folded stack of wipes, being formed from one or more wipes folded about a transverse fold axis, and disposed in the dispenser so that the transverse fold axis is parallel to the dispenser's longitudinal axis.
 3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispenser is generally oval-shaped.
 4. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the lid further comprises a ridge configured to support the base of another dispenser stacked thereupon.
 5. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a top, a bottom that is smaller than the top, and a sidewall that tapers inward from the top to the bottom of the base.
 6. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein the sidewall has a taper angle, measured from the vertical, of about 0.1 degrees to about 8 degrees.
 7. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the plurality of wipes are interleaved.
 8. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein the plurality of wipes are interleaved in an alternating VZ folding pattern.
 9. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the u-shaped folded stack of wipes further comprises an outermost wipe having a starter fold extending along the transverse axis of the dispenser.
 10. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein the starter fold is disposed beneath the center opening.
 11. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein said at least one side opening is larger than said center opening.
 12. The dispenser of claim 1 further comprising one or more petal ribs integral with a corresponding one of said plurality of said rigid petals.
 13. A product having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis and comprising: an oblong dispenser having a length along the longitudinal axis that is greater than a width along the transverse axis, wherein the dispenser includes: an oblong top; an oblong bottom; a sidewall extending between the top and the bottom; at least one internal rib on the sidewall, disposed on the interior of the dispenser; a u-shaped folded stack of wipes, being formed from a flat stack of a plurality of sheet-like wipes folded about a transverse fold axis, and disposed in the dispenser so that the transverse fold axis is parallel to the product's longitudinal axis; wherein said dispenser further comprises a base, a lid removably attached to the base, and a dispensing opening in the lid having a center opening and at least one slot aligned with the transverse axis and in communication with the center opening; wherein the dispensing opening further comprises at least one side opening in communication with said center opening via a longitudinal slit; and a plurality of rigid petals in the lid, defined in part by said dispensing opening.
 14. The product of claim 13 wherein each of said plurality of petals further comprises a nub on the inner portion near the center of the center opening.
 15. The product of claim 13 wherein a ratio between a vertical load applied to a free end of said petal to a vertical deflection of said free end of said petal caused by said vertical load is between about 2.3 to about 3.2 pounds/inch.
 16. The product of claim 13, wherein the plurality of wipes are interleaved in an alternating VZ folding pattern.
 17. The product of claim 16, wherein the u-shaped folded stack of wipes further comprises an outermost wipe having a starter fold extending along the transverse axis of the dispenser.
 18. The product of claim 13 further comprising a one or more petal ribs integral with a corresponding one of said plurality of said rigid petals. 